WET AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION
In the wet form of macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels grow within the RPE or under the retina from the choroid. These new blood vessels (referred to as choroidal neovascularization) tend to leak fluid, blood, fats, and/or proteins from the bloodstream into the space under the retina; this is where the name “wet” comes from.
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With this form of ARMD, patients often note distortion of images in the earlier stages. With time, patients note dark spots or blind spots as the retina begins to deteriorate over the damaged RPE. Normally, it is the RPE that is responsible for nourishing the retina and keeping it healthy; a damaged RPE is unable to effectively perform this function.
In the later stages of wet macular degeneration, the abnormal blood vessels under the retina become scarred. Scar tissue in the central vision can have severe visual consequences; most patients will become legally blind at this stage and will not be able to read or recognize faces with the affected eye(s). On a positive note, patients with macular degeneration almost never become totally blind. The side vision is almost always preserved, as the macula (central vision) is generally the only area of the retina affected.
3030 University Drive East Suite 100
College Station TX 77845
info@marr-kirklandeyecenter.com
(979)776-6269